Foreign patent applications

Patent protection in other countries

A South African patent does not extend to any other country - and in particular not to any surrounding countries on the African continent - and there is as yet no such thing as a ‘world-wide patent’.

If you wish to enjoy patent protection in countries other than South Africa, separate patent protection must be obtained in each country. We can do this for you. This is normally done by filing a separate patent application in each country in which protection is required, generally within 12 months of the filing of a provisional application in South Africa.

There are several regional groupings of countries in Africa and in Europe, and it is possible to file a regional patent application designating some or all of the countries in a region. It is also possible to file a single PCT application in terms of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, and to designate over 120 countries worldwide (this number is growing from year to year).

For further information on the filing of foreign patent applications, please click here to download our information document on Patents, Utility Models and Registered Designs Protection in Countries other than the Republic of South Africa.

Costs

The initial cost of filing a patent application of average length and complexity in most English-speaking countries is generally between about R15000 and R30000. Where translations are required, costs can be double or more. The initial cost of filing a regional or PCT application is broadly between about R20000 and R45000. In addition, later costs are incurred in countries where technical examinations of patent applications take place. These costs can exceed the initial filing cost. If you need further details, please contact us.